Baltimore Orioles Add Atholton Grad to Roster

Steve Lombardozzi Jr., a former Atholton shortstop now in the major leagues, will be playing closer to his home base.

Lombardozzi, 25, was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Baltimore Orioles, media outlets reported Monday.

With the trade, Lombardozzi is now the "favorite to be the Orioles' utility infielder on Opening Day," according to The Baltimore Sun.

The home opener for the O's is Monday, March 31, against the Red Sox at Camden Yards.

Lombardozzi plays second base, third base and left field, according to Comcast SportsNet, which reported he's a switch hitter who batted .259 with two home runs and 22 RBIs last year.

After two seasons with the Washington Nationals, Lombardozzi comes to the O's from the Detroit Tigers, where he was recently traded, according to MLive.com, Michigan's online news group.

Lombardozzi was anticipated to have filled in for the Tigers' injured shortstop Jose Iglesias, MLive.com reported.

During his time as a shortstop for Atholton, the younger Lombardozzi was named a first-team all-county selection three times, according to the Howard County Times, which reported he hit .460 during his senior season in 2007.

In Baltimore, the Fulton resident will "add depth on the left side of the Orioles' infield in a utility role, perhaps becoming part of the short-term equation at third base while Manny Machado continues to recover from knee surgery," according to ESPN. 

To make room for Lombardozzi—who is the son of former Major Leaguer Steve Lombardozzi—on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Johnny Monell for assignment, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Related:

• Atholton Grad Lombardozzi Traded to the Tigers
• From Atholton High to the Major Leagues
• Born With Club Feet, Atholton Grad Awaits Possible Nationals' Promotion
• Atholton Grad Makes First Major League Hit